[Treatment of pseudoaneurysms after vascular interventions].

Background: Increasing numbers of patients undergoing angiographic procedures result in an increase in the total number of complications. False aneurysm may develop in 1-5% after femoral artery puncture. Until recently, ultrasound-guided compression was the preferred method of treatment, in a few cases surgery. A newer method with ultrasound-guided injection of thrombin has been shown to be effective.

Material And Methods: Between 2000 and 2003, twenty-seven patients were diagnosed with iatrogenic false aneurysms in our hospital. The diagnosis was obtained by ultrasound when clinically suspected. Twelve patients were treated with compression technique, one with surgery, twelve with ultrasound-guided injection of thrombin, and two received no active treatment.

Results And Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided needle injection of thrombin was a good method of treatment with a success rate of 100%, as compared to 83% with compression technique. Days in hospital stay were few and no complications were observed. Based on the good results reported in the literature and our own experience, we suggest that ultrasound-guided injection of thrombin should be the treatment of choice for femoral pseudoaneurysms.